The unbeaten Bombers' 13.11 (89) to 4.9 (33) win gives them a standalone spot at the top of the ladder.

The manner of it served warning - to the rest of the comp as well as the Magpies - that they're going to take some stopping, as they brought intensity and ran in waves on a big occasion.

After a moving remembrance ceremony ahead of ANZAC Day, the Magpies also showed Marrar plenty of respect, hanging tough in defence to keep the potent Bombers to one goal in a low scoring quarter.

But with Chris O'Donnell leading the way brilliantly in the midfield, the home side was relentless and the writing was on the wall for the 'Pies: if they gave an inch, danger loomed.

It started in the second quarter, when Marrar's Cane Graetz and Zach Walgers (who were both superb throughout, including Graetz's role in limiting Riley Budd's influence) capitalised on chances with good goals and suddenly a close encounter was a 20-point ball game.

The pressure told: even when the 'Pies were in possession, they couldn't find momentum. Luckily, for a little while, the Bombers couldn't find a goal with theirs, with five straight behinds before the break failing to punish their opponents' errors.

But a 24-point deficit at the main break would be doubled by the end of the game as Marrar's dominance took hold in the third quarter.

Despite the Magpies offering signs of life and kicking three of their four goals in the quarter, they were going against the tide.

Cody Cool had done his best to limit James Lawton in the first half to 1.1 in the first half and few opportunities. But as the Bombers opened up, Lawton took five marks in the third quarter; three of them led immediately to teammates' goals.

He then booted four himself in the final term (and finished with 5.3 for the match) as TRYC's backline succumbed under constant pressure as Marrar had players in motion all over the ground and just kept coming.

"Our pressure and hardness around the footy and the contest was outstanding for the whole game really," Lenon said.

"They (TRYC) probably had a period of about seven or eight minutes in the third quarter with a bit of momentum but they didn't hurt us because of our pressure, from the whole group , and the way they went about it, which is why they won the game."

O'Donnell was outstanding, and awarded the Shea-Pearce Medal as best on ground.

"It means a lot. You don't play team sport for individual achievements but ANZAC Day is a special day for all involved and it's a huge honour," O'Donnell said.

"It's not life and death (sport) but you've got to be ferocious at it and we were up for the challenge today so I'm really, really happy with the boys' effort."

But his was far from a lone hand. Walgers was electric at times and had critical touches, ruck Nick Molkentin and captain Jackson Moye were strong and 17-year-old midfielder Sam Emery played with a maturity and intensity beyond his years.

"That's the beauty of the side, they're young, they run, they're quick, they play with enthusiasm, and we do have enough leaders in amongst them as well," Lenon said.

Ahead of another big game at North Wagga next week, the coach is rapt with the way his side's come together, and particularly to deliver on an important day.

"We're honoured to be a part of (the ANZAC Challenge), it's something we look forward to, and the fact the two sides were undefeated just added to the occasion," he said.

"To be able to perform like that is very good. I'm proud of their efforts, they put in a really good performance."

For TRYC, Aiden Ridley was tireless throughout and Jordy Kemp tried to lift his side (including with two important goals). Co-coach Heath Russell was involved and Dean Biermann and Riley Budd threatened at times but proved well-held.

The 'Pies dropped to fifth on the ladder after their first loss but learnt plenty about what it will take to challenge the top sides.

Full-time:

Marrar 1.2, 3.8, 7.9, 13.11 (89)

TRYC 0.2, 0.2, 3.2, 4.9 (33)

Goals: (Marrar) James Lawton 5, Jackson Moye 2, Dayne Hancock 1, Blake Walker 1, Cane Graetz 1, Tobias Lawler 1,Bailey Wilson 1, Zacharie Walgers 1; (TRYC) Jordan Kemp 2, Heath Russell 1, Dean Biermann 1.

Best: (Marrar) Chris O'Donnell, Sam Emery, Nicholas Molkentin, Zacharie Walgers, Jackson Moye, Liam James; (TRYC) Aiden Ridley, Jacob Adams-Wright, Dean Biermann, Jordan Kemp, Heath Russell, Harrison White.

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